I have a major case of the Mondays. I'm not sure if I'm coming down with a cold or if yesterday's hangover just won't give it up, but I woke up feeling like garbage today. Thankfully, the cure was only a few steps away in my refrigerator: a pitcher of toddy.Sometimes a regular cup of coffee just doesn't cut it. Today I wanted something deeper, darker... richer. Toddy is just the thing. Basically it's nothing more than cold-brewed coffee. I think it has a similar flavour to coffee made using a French press, but is much stronger. You can drink it hot or cold. I like mine poured over a glass of ice and topped with milk and just a touch of simple syrup for sweetness - essentially an iced latte! (Similarly, with steamed milk you have a hot latte.)
The best part about making toddy is you need zero fancy equipment. No special pots, presses, stirrers, or any other contraption. Just a bag of good coffee, two containers that will hold a quart of water, a strainer and some coffee filters. As one of my friends who worked at a coffee shop in Cedar Falls used to say - easy peasy Japoneasy!
Toddy (makes about 4 cups)
1/2 lb coffee, ground coarse
4 1/2 C water
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| 1st soak |
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| 2nd soak |
Set a strainer lined with a coffee filter over another 1-qt container (I use a pitcher, but any seal-able container will do). Pour a bit of the toddy into the filter and let it drip into the container. I usually give it an occasional stir to help speed up the process. Continue straining the toddy a bit at a time, changing the filter when it becomes clogged.
Et voila! Reward yourself for the time and effort by pouring a glass right away, then refrigerate the rest for future mornings - or afternoons - when a pick-me-up is necessary.
Cheers!
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